How Much Do Condominium Security Guards Cost?

Condo security guards typically cost between $15 and $65 per hour per guard. However, the final cost you can expect to pay depends on several factors, which we’ll detail in this article. If you’re a property manager, board member, or decision-maker at a residential property and are curious about how much to budget for security, this article will serve as a guide to help you gain a better idea of how your needs influence costs.

Do you have a different question about condo security? We put together a comprehensive guide to condominium security on our blog. 

Key Factors That Influence Cost

The variables that influence the cost of condo security are wide-ranging and may surprise you. No two properties are the same, and every condominium has a unique set of needs and risks that security companies will consider when quoting services. That said, here’s an overview of the most prominent factors we look at when providing a quote:

Geographic Location

Location costs typically vary by region and by the location of your property. For instance, operational costs in big cities like Vancouver and Toronto are generally higher than those in smaller towns. As a result, the cost of service tends to be higher. However, the opposite can be true for condos located in more remote areas, depending on the availability of guards in that location. 

Your property’s neighbourhood may also influence the cost of security. Condos located in high-crime-rate areas often require more experienced guards or guards with additional training. We’ll cover this in more detail later in this section. 

Type of Service

There are generally three types of condominium security guards:

Concierge guards: Primarily stationed at the front desk to oversee the front entrance and CCTV camera feeds, these guards provide customer service to residents while checking in and verifying the identities of visitors.

Patrol guards: As their title suggests, these guards conduct patrols of interior and exterior areas to ensure a complete and well-rounded oversight of the entire property.

Mobile patrol guards: These guards patrol between properties in a marked security vehicle between patrols. Their patrols function similarly to those conducted by static patrol guards. However, mobile guards are not present on your property for the duration of their shift.

The type of security guard service your building requires will impact the cost. As mobile patrol guards don’t remain on a single property for the duration of their shift, their cost is reduced compared to concierge and patrol guards. Concierge guards bring customer service skills to their security services, which can increase their cost. 

Hours and Scheduling

The hours you require security coverage can impact the cost of services. Part-time coverage, during your property’s busiest hours, for instance, costs less than 24/7 coverage. 

Except for properties that request or are assessed as requiring static overnight coverage, we typically recommend a blended strategy that combines concierge and/or patrol services for daytime coverage with mobile patrols for overnight coverage. This helps keep costs accessible while still providing a high level of protection. 

Experience and Training

As we mentioned earlier, high-risk properties often require guards who have received more advanced training. If your condo is located in a high-risk area or experiences frequent security incidents (such as trespassing, vandalism, vagrancy, or break-ins), you may require security guards trained in the use of force. 

This training enables security guards to safely restrain individuals posing a threat to bystanders and residents, and may contribute to your overall costs. Security guards with advanced expertise can minimize long-term risks and provide a higher level of service. 

However, not all additional security guard training costs extra. At Blackbird Security, all of our residential guards receive advanced training through our industry-leading program, Blackbird Academy. Through our in-house training program, guards learn essential skills in first aid, peaceful de-escalation, customer service, fire safety, and so much more, enabling them to provide a higher level of service than they would with just the Basic Security Training required to obtain a security guard license. 

Cost-Saving Strategies for Condo Security

In this section, we’ll cover strategies you may want to consider to help reduce security costs at your residential building. 

Layering Security

Investing in high-quality CCTV cameras, alarms, and electronic access systems is a key step in a strong overall security strategy. Security cameras provide information to police in the event of a serious security incident, and residents appreciate knowing the building’s entrances, car parks, storage areas, and communal building areas are monitored. They also provide a deterrent factor against break-ins and vandalism, as malicious actors are less likely to commit a crime if they know they’re being monitored. 

While these systems don’t replace the capabilities of on-site security guards, they’re a helpful asset in helping teams keep your residents safe. With a comprehensive CCTV camera array, monitoring your building becomes more efficient than buildings with minimal cameras. 

Mobile Patrols vs. On-Site Guards

As we mentioned in the previous section, mobile patrols are a cost-effective solution for properties that would benefit from a security presence, but don’t have the budget or need for full-time overnight service. They’re ideal for smaller condos, low-risk buildings, and as an overnight solution for larger low-risk condos. 

While a mobile guard won’t be on site for the duration of their shift, their presence still provides protection and deterrence. Mobile patrols can be scheduled at random intervals, preventing potential intruders from taking advantage of gaps in patrols. Both on-site foot patrols and mobile patrols are conducted at the same comprehensive level, meaning you’ll receive the same level of service from both types of guards. 

If an incident occurs at your building outside of a scheduled patrol, such as a triggered fire alarm, your mobile security guard will be on the scene to assess the situation and assist residents. At Blackbird Security, our 24/7 Control Centre Team receives signals from property alarm systems and can promptly dispatch the nearest mobile guard. This ensures your property remains covered when help is needed most. 

Conducting a Risk Assessment

A professional risk assessment can help you focus your budget on areas that require more coverage. A risk assessment will examine your property’s history of incidents, the risk associated with your neighbourhood, and any vulnerabilities on your property. 

A professional security company will understand what to look for when conducting your risk assessment and make informed recommendations based on past experience and industry knowledge. For example, your risk assessment may uncover a weakness in your access control system and a seasonal pattern of incidents. Using that information, the company may recommend an access control upgrade and additional coverage during the seasons your property is most at risk. 

The condo security company you choose should conduct a risk assessment of your property before beginning services. In the next section, we’ll go over what to look for in a security proposal. 

What to Look for in a Security Proposal

When reviewing security proposals, it’s important to look past the quoted hourly rate. A high-quality proposal should clearly outline what you’re paying for and how the provider plans to protect your property.

Insurance and Liability Coverage

The proposal should specify the security company’s insurance coverage, including general liability and workers’ compensation. This protects your condo board and property management teams financially in the event of an incident.

Guard Training and Certifications

The training guards have received, such as first aid, peaceful de-escalation, and fire safety, should be included in the proposal. This equips them with the knowledge necessary to handle the challenges of residential security. Knowing your proposed security personnel’s training in advance will give you insight into the level of service they can provide. 

Description of Duties and Schedules

The proposal should clearly outline the services that will be provided. This may include concierge security, foot patrol frequency, overnight coverage, and reporting procedures, as well as any additional responsibilities, such as securing mail and parcels. Clarifying the scope of work sets expectations in advance and ensures you’re getting the services you’re paying for once the contract begins.

Value Over Price

When evaluating multiple security proposals, it may be tempting to choose the option with the lowest cost. However, the cheapest offer doesn’t always provide the best value. Choosing a more experienced security provider can actually minimize long-term costs and enhance resident safety. Their access to well-trained guards, comprehensive protocols, and local knowledge of your city offers better value and service experience. 

Partner With a Top Condo Security Company

Condominium security guard costs vary depending on your property’s unique needs and risks. The type and frequency of services you need, as well as security guard training, can also impact costs. Ultimately, it’s difficult to estimate a cost without knowing more about your property. To learn about the cost of condo security guards for your building, contact us today. 

Want to learn more about choosing a condominium security company? We’ve covered that topic and so much more in our Definitive Guide to Condo Security.